Multi-Plane Locking Cylinder Key Scanning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical locking systems face increased demands for anti-theft measures as electronic access systems become more prevalent, with classic mechanical attacks becoming a primary concern when electronic methods fail.
Innovation Solution
A variable locking system is developed, allowing two types of plate tumblers in a lock cylinder to be radially displaced and separated, enabling the key to be inserted axially and scanned in multiple planes, increasing variability and security by allowing free selection of tumbler arrangements for different locking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of plate tumblers are used in the lock cylinder to increase security, then resistance to forced entry is improved, but the complexity of the locking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple scanning planes, with each plane containing plate tumblers of a specific type. The key is correspondingly segmented with control tracks arranged in multiple scanning planes, allowing each plane to be independently configured with different tumbler types (first type with first control track, second type with second control track). This segmentation enables increased security through diverse tumbler configurations while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional scanning plane structure, where control tracks and plate tumblers are arranged across multiple planes transverse to the key insertion direction. This dimensional expansion allows the system to accommodate multiple tumbler types in a structured manner, increasing security through greater variability without proportionally increasing operational complexity, as the multi-plane arrangement provides a systematic framework for managing the complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lock cylinder is designed to accommodate multiple tumbler types with different control tracks, then adaptability to different key configurations is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key is segmented with different control tracks (first control track, second control track) arranged in multiple scanning planes, each corresponding to specific types of plate tumblers. This segmentation allows the key to be manufactured with distinct control track configurations that match specific tumbler arrangements, enabling adaptability to different key configurations while simplifying manufacturing through standardized, modular key and tumbler components that can be produced independently and assembled systematically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plate tumblers are arranged in multiple scanning planes with different orientations, then coding variability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple scanning planes transverse to the key insertion direction, with plate tumblers and control tracks arranged in different orientations across these planes. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates extensive coding variability, as each scanning plane can be independently configured with different tumbler types and orientations. The dimensional structure provides a systematic framework that manages the complexity of diverse tumbler arrangements, making the system more adaptable without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system is provided whereby at least two locking devices can be actuated with one and the same key. The key has at least two control tracks, via which, in at least two scanning planes lying one behind the other respectively transverse to the insertion direction, the scanning of scanning points provided on the key is possible. Via the scanning points provided in at least one scanning plane, both types of platelet tumblers can be scanned via the mating scanning points thereof and separated, so that the arrangement of one type of the two platelet tumblers in at least one scanning plane can be chosen freely in order to form a multiplicity of locking devices having cylinders cores having an associated cylinder housing and matched to the free choice of the platelet tumblers, which can be actuated with one and the same key.